Winnipeg, MB – At 1:41 a.m. on September 9, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) responded to reports of a fire in a two-storey home in the 0 to 100 block of Uxbridge Road South. Upon arrival on scene, crews encountered a well-involved fire with heavy flames and smoke coming from the attached garage. Initially, a defensive strategy was launched due to the heavy fire conditions. Once some of the flames were knocked down, crews were able to transition to an interior, offensive attack to complete extinguishment of the fire. The fire was declared under control at 2:29 a.m.
The three occupants of the home had self-evacuated prior to the arrival of crews after hearing their home’s smoke alarms sounding. All three were assessed and treated by paramedics on scene and then transported to hospital in stable condition. No additional injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but not believed to be suspicious. No damage estimates are available at this time.
This incident is a good reminder to residents about the importance of having working smoke alarms. These devices save lives.
- A working smoke alarm will buy you valuable time – in case of fire, get out, stay out, and call 911
- Make sure you have one smoke alarm on every level of your home and outside of all sleeping areas and in your basement
- Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years – the date of manufacture is written on the back of the smoke alarm
- Smoke alarms with disposable batteries should have their batteries replaced twice per year when the time changes
- You should test your smoke alarm monthly
- Make sure that everyone in your home knows what to do in the event of a fire and practice your escape plan
For more information on smoke alarms and fire prevention, visit City of Winnipeg – Fire Safety.
Residents whose homes do not have a working smoke alarm, can sign up for the S.A.F.E. (Smoke Alarm for Every) Family Program, which provides and installs free alarms in owner occupied homes. More information on the program can be found at City of Winnipeg – S.A.F.E. Family Program.